Biomonitoring of bisphenol A, S, and F in urine samples from children in Finland

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogues bisphenol S (BPS) and bisphenol F (BPF) are widely used in consumer products and linked to endocrine-disrupting effects. Young children may be especially vulnerable. This study assessed urinary concentrations of BPA, BPS, and BPF in Finnish children and evaluated health risks using biomonitoring guidance values and exposure modeling. First-morning urine samples were collected from 40 children aged 3-6 years in Tampere, Finland. BPA, BPS, and BPF were quantified using triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Estimated daily intakes (EDIs) for BPA were derived using a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) reverse dosimetry approach. Risk characterization was performed using Human Biomonitoring Guidance Values (HBM-GVs), interpreted in the context of the 2015 and 2023 EFSA tolerable daily intake values. BPA was quantifiable in 32.5% of samples and BPS in 15%, while BPF was not detected. Estimated BPA intakes (0.015-0.474 µg/kg bw/day) exceeded the 2023 EFSA TDI (0.2 ng/kg bw/day) by factors of 74-2,370. Under the updated TDI, all measured concentrations would exceed thresholds. For BPS, the maximum concentration (2.3 ng/mL) exceeded its HBM-GV (1 ng/mL), while no updated EFSA TDI is available. This study provides the first biomonitoring data on BPA, BPS, and BPF in Finnish children. BPA levels were lower than those reported in recent European studies, suggesting declining exposure trends. However, updated health-based benchmarks indicate that BPA intakes exceeded the 2023 EFSA TDI, while BPS levels exceeded its HBM guidance value. These findings highlight the need for continued biomonitoring and updated guidance values.